Chapter 9

Al next day, Sunday April 26, Ezio was up before dawn and walked to the cathedral. There were few people on the streets, but saw a few monks and nuns on their way to make its decisions. Aware that he must avoid being seen,Calo laboriously to the top of campanile and watched the sun rise above the city. Little by little, their feet, the plaza began to fill with people of all types, families and stopjas, merchants and nobles, wishing to attend the main mass of the day, which would be honored by the presence of the Duke and his brotherno less and co-ruler. Ezio was watching people carefully and when he saw the Fox approached the steps of the cathedral, went to the less visible side of the tower and descendinggave, agile as a monkey, to stand beside him, always remembering not to lift his head and blend best with the crowd, using the rest of the people for protection. It hasBia dressed for the occasion in their finest clothes and carried no weapon in sight, although most Mercurires rich and bankers wore ceremonial swords in his belt. He could not resist looking up looking for Cristina, but did not see.

"I see that you're here," Fox said when he approached Ezio-. Everything is arranged and have a quiet place next to the pachair in the third row.

As he spoke, the crowd on the stairs was removed and the heralds were carried to the mouth trumpet to sound a fanfare.

"I come, "he said.

Entering the square from the side of the baptistery, first appeared Lorenzo de Medici, accompanied by his wife, Clarice, who had been holding hands with his eldest daughter, the little Lucrezia, while Piero, five years old, walked right proud of his father. Behind them, accompanied by his nurse, appeared Maddalena, three years old, while one orNera Leo was carrying the baby, wrapped in white satin. Giuliano and Fioretta followed them, her lover, in advanced managetion. The crowd gathered in the square head bent in its path. At the entrance of the Duomo I received two of the priests who were to officiate the ceremony, who Ezio is recognized with ashiver of terror: Stefano da Bagnone and one of Volterra, whose full name, he told the Fox, was Antonio Maffei.

Medici family made its way into the cathedral followed by the priests, and they, in turn, were followed by the citizens of Florence, ordered according to their rank. The Fox nudged him while Ezio noted. Among the crowd was sighted Francesco de 'Pazzi and another conspirator, Bernardo Baroncelli, disguised as a deacon.

"Come now," he whispered to Ezio-. Stay close to them.

More and more people entering the cathedral continued until there was no room for anyone else, and many who had hoped to have room to stay out. Had gathered a total of ten thousand people. The Fox had not ever seen a crowd of such magnitude in Florence. Silently prayed for the success of Ezio.

Inside, the gathering they sat in the sweltering amronment. Ezio had not gotten close to Francesco and everything else would have liked, but did not take his eyes off ENCIma and started calculating what would be done to reach them as soon as they begin their attack. The bishop of Florence, whileafter that, he held his place in the altar and had begun to officiate the mass.

At the time that the bishop blessed the bread and wine Ezio realized that Francesco and Bernardo exchanged their placesres. The Medici family was sitting right in front of them. At the same moment, the priests Bagnone and Maffei, on the lower rungs of the altar, and closer to Lorenzo and Giuliano, looked around surreptitiously. The bishop turned to stay ahead of the congregation, raised the golden cup and EMPEZo say

"The blood of Christ ...

Then everything happened at once. Baroncelli stood griTando "CREAP, traditore!" and from behind, stabbed him Giuliano a dagger in the neck. The cut came a jet of blood sprayed Fioretta completely. She fell on her knees on the floor, screaming.

- Let me finish with that bastard! Fran shoutedcesco, pushing a nudge Baroncelli toppling Giulianot trying to stop the flow of blood with his hands. Francesco stood astride him and again and again plunged the dagger into the body of his victim with such a frenzy that, without apparently realizing it, ended up also key in your own musit. Giuliano had died some time before Francesco I nailed the final blow, the nineteenth.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo, with a cry of alarm, had facedTado attackers of his brother, and Clarice and nurses had fled for protection along with children and Fioretta. Confusion reigned everywhere. Lorenzo had scorned the idea of having the bodyguard near a murderer in a church bombing was unheard- now struggling to reach his side breaking through the masses of the faithful confused and dams PAonly one who pushed and trampled each other to get away from the scene of the carnage. Heat worsened the situation and the fact that hardly had room to move ...

Except in the area in front of the altar. The bishop and his sacerdotes looked on, stunned and paralyzed. Maffei Bagnone and saw that Lorenzo had his back to them, takeswere the opportunity and unsheathed the daggers that had hidmeasures under the robes, they rushed upon him.

The priests are murderers rarely experienced, however noble the cause was believed that, between them is not consideredLorenzo lowed to cause more than superficial wounds quickly before the shake. But the fight has justand Francesco were beating him, limping because of the injury which he had caused, but reinforced by hatred boiling inside, also approached to him, cursing loudly and with the dagger in the air. Bagnone and Maffei, not knowing where to go after what they did, they turned and ran in didirection of the apse, but Lorenzo was reeling, not stop bleeding and the stabbing in her upper right shoulder prevented him from using the sword.

- Tus days are over, Lorenzo!"Cried Francesco-. Your family bastard die on my sword!

"Infamous!"Said Lorenzo-. I'll kill you!

- With what weapon? Francesco sneered, raising his dagger to attack.

And when the hand began to fall, someone grabbed her wrist and stopped their momentum, before forcing him to turn back. Francesco found himself face to face another formidable enemy.

- Ezio! Roared-. You! Here?

- The fact that you're finished you, Francesco!

The crowd dispersed and approximately guards LorenzoMaban. Baroncelli was now next to Francesco.

"Come, we must flee. It's over! He shouted.

-Will finish first with these bastards, "said Francesco.

But his wound was bleeding profusely and had a look ofmacro.

- No! We must withdraw!

Francesco was furious, but agreed with his eyes.

"This is not over," said Ezio.

"No, not over. I will follow you wherever you go, Francesco, to kill you.

With a glare, Francesco turned to follow Baroncelli, who had already gone behind the altar. In ABside must have a door to leave the cathedral. Ezio disbegan to follow.

- Wait!Said a voice behind broken-. Let them go. Do not go far. I need you here. I need your help.

Ezio turned and saw the Duke lying on the floor between two chairs overturned. Not far away, his family huddled crying, Clarice, with exPressure horror, hugging their two grown sons. Fioretta looked without seeing the dead body twisted and maimed by Giulian.

Lorenzo guard had arrived.

"Take care of my family," said Lorenzo-. In the city must reign the tumult after the event. Take my family to palazzo and shut the door and bolted.

He turned Ezio.

"You saved my life.

- I did my duty! The Pazzi paid to us! -Ezio helped Lorenzo to join and carefully sat on a chair.

Raising his head did not see anywhere or to the bishop or other priests. Behind him, people were pushing and elbowing, scratching provided out of the cathedral through the main entrance on the west side.

- I have to go after Francesco! "He said.

- No!Lorenzo said-. If I'm just not get to get to safety. You have to help. Take me to San Lorenzo. TenFriends go there.

Ezio he was torn, but how much thought Lorenzo had done for his family. I could not blame him for failing to preventdo the death of their relatives. Who would have predicted a tiethat so sudden as that suffered? And now, Lorenzo had also become a victim. But it was still alive, but not for long unless Ezio got him to a place near where they could assist you. The church of San Lorenzozo was a short distance northwest of the baptistery.

With strips of cloth torn from his own shirt, bandaged wounds as he could Lorenzo. Then lifted him gently.

-Pass on the left arm over my shoulder. Well. Must have an exit behind the altar ...

Stumbled toward the direction they had tomado his enemies and soon found a little door openta with bloodstains on the threshold. It was undoubtedly where he hasFrancesco Bia out. Would you be waiting? A Ezio, who held Lorenzo by his right side, it would be difficult to open your hidden dagger, and more fight. But metal had attached the cuff on his left forearm.

Came to the square before the door was north of the cathedral and were faced with a scene of confusion and chaos. DesEzio because they stopped to spend the layer above the shoulders of Lorenzo in an improvised attempt to camouflage, emlit road leading oeste along the walls of the buildsurface. In the piazza located between the cathedral and baptistery, groups of men dressed in the livery of the Pazzi and the Medici faced heavy fighting in melee. So absorbed isEzio Taban got to go unnoticed by his side, but when they reached the street that led to the piazza San Therenzo, they stumbled across a couple of men who wore the insignia of the dolphin and the crosses. Both love looking wielding scimitarsdrentador.

- Stop!"Ordered one of the guards-. Where do you think you are going?

"I need to bring this man to safety," said Ezio.

- Who are you? "Said the second guard using a nasty tone.

He stepped forward and examined the face of Lorenzo. Lorenzo, near fainting and departed, but in doing so the coat fell to the side and revealed the Medici coat of arms embroidered on his jacket.

- Wow!"Said the second guard, turning to his companion-. I think we've caught a big fish, Terzaga!

Ezio's brain was going at full speed. I could not let gorenzo, still losing blood. But if I did, I could not use his gun. He quickly rose to the left foot and kicked him in the ass to the guard, who fell face first into the ground. In questionment of seconds, his partner rushed upon them, brandishing his scimitar. Ezio dodged its edge when it fell on him and protection using metal deflected goalpe. With the move, blew his sword and stabbed the guard double-edged dagger that was linked to protection, although not consideredguided him with enough force to kill him. Meanwhile, the second guard had managed to get up and was preparing to help their comrade, which in turn faltered, surprised at his inability to cut Ezio forearm.

Ezio stopped the second sheet by the same method, but this time managed to go with the wrist guard the edge of the sword to hit the handle, thus placing his hand at the wrist of his opponent. Took it and twisted it so fast that the man dropped his weapon with a sharp cry of pain. Ducking quickly, took the scimitar Ezio almost before it touched the ground. It was difficult, working with the left handand gives additional weight load of Lorenzo, but stuck in the guard's neck before he could recover. The secdo guard approached again, screaming with rage. Ezio dodged his sword and then exchanged several blows and cusqueals. But the guard who did not know that carrying the mu Ezioñequera hidden metal, followed dealt useless attacks. A Ezio arm ached and I could barely stand, but finally ended up getting his chance. The old guard had been developingBroaching, but the man had not realized it and had at that time staring at the forearm with the intention Eziotion to attack again. Swiftly, Ezio raised his gun, bringing youdo a feint as if he had failed, but getting to it to blow his opponent's helmet. And then, before the reaction couldmentary, Ezio up again the heavy scimitar above cahead by guard and cracked his skull in two. The scimitar Ezio stayed stuck and failed to remove it from there. The man was paised a moment, surprise your eyes open wide, anTES collapsing on the floor. Taking a quick look at her thearound, Ezio Lorenzo continued dragging down the street.

"In a short, Altezza.

They came to church with no more setbacks, but the door istobacco firmly closed. Ezio, looking back, saw a groupspo guards had discovered the bodies of men who had killed and looked in his direction. He banged the door and opened a peephole, revealing behind her eye and part of a face with suspicious expression.

"Lorenzo is wounded," said Ezio, panting-. Coming for us! Open the door!

"I need the password," the man from the inside.

Ezio was left without knowing what to say, but Lorenzo, who had reknown the man's voice, speaking rapidly.

- Angelo!Cried-. I'm Lorenzo! Open the fucking door!

- For Hermes Trismegistus!"The man said-. You had to be dead!

He turned and yelled at someone:

- Open this damn lock! And fast!

Peephole and was closed immediately afterwards was heard the sound of opening locks. Meanwhile, Pazzi had guards checkdo to run down the street. One of the heavy doors opened just in time to give input to Ezio and Lorenzo, and as quickly closed with a crash behind them and the guards corriewere the bolts. The noise of the battle being waged outside was terrible. Ezio was found in front of the gentle green eyes a refined man who was about twenty four years old.

-Angelo Poliziano, was presented-. I sent about howcough men to intercept these rats of the Pazzi. NotBeriah give us more problems.

-Ezio Auditore.

"Ah ... Lawrence has talked about you. He stopped-. But talk later. Let me help you install it in a bank. Here we can better examine his wounds.

"It's finally safe," said Ezio, delivering two servants Lorenzo gently guided him to a bench attached to the panorth of the church network.

"I will bandages, blood and stop as soon as it recovered a bit, we'll take you back to your Palazzo. Do not worry, Ezio, and is safe. Never forget what you've done.

But Ezio was already thinking that Francesco de 'Pazzi, tothose heights, and would have had sufficient time to escape. "I have to go," he said.- Wait! Lorenzo shouted.

Gesturing to Poliziano, Ezio bowed and kneltoped by his side.

"I owe you," said Lorenzo-. I do not know why I've helped or how you learned what was afoot, when even my spies were aware of it.

He paused, his eyes closed in pain as one of the servants cleaned the wound of the shoulder.

- Who are you? "He continued, once he had recovereddo a little.

"It Ezio Auditore Poliziano said, coming over and laying a hand on the shoulder of Ezio.

- Ezio! "Lorenzo looked at him, deeplymoved-. Your father was a great man and a good friend. Comlit the meaning of honor and loyalty, and never put her inests ahead of those of Florence. But ... "He paused again and smiled faintly ... I was present when he died atberti. Was it you?

"Yes.

"Your quick revenge was appropriate. As you saw, I have not had much success. Even now, because of their arrogant aminhibition, the Pazzi have finally finished cutting her own throat. I pray that ...

At that moment came in a hurry one of the members of the patrol of the Medici who had been sent to deal with the persecutors of Ezio, his face smeared with sweat and blood.

- What happens? Poliziano asked.

"Bad news, sir. The Pazzi were recovered and pretendden to enter force in the Palazzo Vecchio. We can not holdThe much longer.

Poliziano was left blank.

"Bad news, you're right. If they get control, matare to all our supporters who are there, and if done with the power ...

"If you do with power," said Lorenzo, my survival no avail. We'll be all dead men.

He tried to get up but fell back, moaning in pain.

- Angelo! You must take all the troops we have here y. ..

- No! My place is by your side. We take you to the Palazzo

Medici as soon as possible. Once there, we reorganize to fight back.

"I'll go," said Ezio-. Yet I have unfinished business with Messer Francesco.

Lorenzo stared.

"You've done enough.

"Not until you have completed my work, Altezza. And Angewhat is right has more important things to do, lead you to your palazzo and make sure you are at home.

"Signori"Said the messenger of the Medici-. I also bring more news. I've seen Francesco de Pazzi leading a troop to the back of the Palazzo Vecchio. Looking for ways to enter the weakest point of the Signoria.

Ezio looked Poliziano.

"Go. Gun, Arrange freely from one of our Destamedicines, and hurry. This man will go with you and be your guide. We teach the safest place to leave the church. Once it isteas outside in ten minutes to the Palazzo Vecchio.

Ezio nodded and turned to leave.

"Florence will never forget what you are doing for her," said Lorenzo-. Go with God.

Outside rang the church bells, SumanDose to the cacophony of the clash of steel and the cries and gehuman MIDOS. The riots had taken over the city, the streets were burning wagons, soldiers concentrations ambos sides ran to and fro in confused or faced fights. There were dead everywhere in the streets and in the castreets, but the turmoil was such that neither dared to bring crowsthe feast was watching from the top of the roofs with their penetrantes black eyes.

The doors of the west side of the Palazzo Vecchio were open from the outside could hear the sounds of fierce peI had read in the courtyard. Ezio ordered his small force it to stop and approached the officer running toward the Medici palazzo command of another squadron.

- You know what happens?

"The Pazzi have broken the back and opened the door from inside. But the men we have in the intethe previous palazzo are holding. Can not have escaped the yard. With any luck getting close!

- There are reports of Francesco de 'Pazzi?

-He and his men have done to the rear entrance palazzo. If we could control it, would get caught.

Ezio turned to his men.

- Vamos! He shouted.

They crossed the square and entered the alley surethe north wall guide palazzo, a wall long ago very different Ezio climbed to reach the window of his father's cell. Lining up the first street on the right, were taughtguida with troops, led by Francesco de Pazzi, guarded the entrance of the building.

It immediately put on guard as recommended Francesconized Ezio, shouted:

- You again! Why do not you dead yet? MurNaste my son!

- He tried to kill me!

- Kill him! Kill him now!

Both sides were locked in a fierce fight, attackDose with an anger bordering on despair, as the Pazzi sabian perfectly well how important it was for them to protect their line of retreat. Ezio, his heart flooded with icy anger, broke through with strength to Francesco, who was positioned with his back to the door palazzo. Ezio The sword had taken from the arsenal of the Medici was well balanced and steel sheet was Toledano, but not being familiar with the weapon, his punches were much less effective than usual. So far there mutilado rather than killed, men who had stood in his way. And Francesco was aware of it.

- Do you think a master swordsman, boy? No you can not kill cleanly. Let me demonstrate.

It launched one over the other, sparking swords, but Francesco had less room for maneuver Ezio and despite that day his opponent was not certain, his twenty years too soon began to weigh.

- Guards! Finally exclaimed-. To me!

But his men had retreated before the onslaught of the Medici. Ezio Francesco and found themselves fighting alone. Francesco desperately searched around half to start rerow, but there was no other than the palazzo itself. He opened the door behind her and began to climb the stone staircase that ran inside the wall. Ezio realized that most of the defenders of the Medici were concentrated in the front of the building, where they fought the main battlepal, and also realized that they probably did not have enough men to cover also the rear. Ezio cocurred after Francesco toward the second floor.

The rooms were empty, for all occupants paLazzo, except half a dozen terrified employees began to cobarrier as they saw, they were down, fighting in the courtyard to contain the attack of the Pazzi. Francesco and Ezio continued their peread by the gilded rooms of high ceilings until it finally reached the balcony overlooking the Piazza della Signoria. From below stood the sounds of battle and desperate cry Francescomately for help. There was no one to hear and retinalcould no longer harbor beyond.

- Fight!"Said Ezio-. Now only two of us.

-Maledetto!

Ezio thrust his sword and his left arm began to bleed.

"Well, Francesco, where is all the courage of that hiciste gala when you killed my father? When this morning ApunLaste Giuliano?

- Depart from me, spawn of the devil!

Francis lashed out at him, but I was tired and missed the shot. He staggered, his balance of control, and was ably Ezio one hand while lifting the foot and causing him to fall hard on the edge of the sword Francesco, dragging the ground.

Before Francesco got recovered, Ezio stamped on his hand, forcing him to drop the handle of the sword. What agaRRO below her shoulders and onto his back. Francesco tried to sit up, but Ezio poked him a brutal kick to the face. Francesco rolled his eyes and was was half unconsciouste. Ezio cache knelt to his opponent, he pulled the gunhard and doublet, leaving it a pale, wiry body. But there were no documents, nothing of importance. Just a few pocos guilders in a bag.

Ezio left the bar and flipped his hidden blade. He knelt down, put his arm under the neck of Francesco and incorporated until their faces were just inches apart.

Francesco blinked and opened his eyes. His eyes expressed miedo and terror.

- Forgive me life! Croaked.

At that time, the court echoed a cry of victory. Ezio heard voices and caught enough to realize that the  Pazzi had just been defeated.

- Forgive your life? Said-. Before the pardon is a ravenous wolf!

"This is for my father," said Ezio, stabbing him in the gizzard.

"And this, by Frederick stabbing again. And this by Petruccio, and the latter by Giuliano!

The blood flowed like a fountain of injuries Francesco and Ezio completely smeared with her, and stabbing the dying would have continued had not remembered then the wordsMario bras: "Do not become a man as he was." He sat on his heels. Francesco was still twinkle in his eye, but gradually grew fainter. He muttered something. Ezio bent down to listen.

... "A priest, a priest ... for pity's sake, go get a priest.

Now that the anger I felt inside had subsided, Ezio began to feel deeply shocked by the grossity with which he had killed. That did not agree with the rules of the Creed.

"No time," said-. I'll have to hold a Mass for your soul.

Francesco's throat began to vibrate. Then, in his trance of death, his limbs became rigid and shuddered, bowed his head and opened his mouth, fighting the last battle impossiblesible against the invincible enemy that we all haveagainst some day, and then collapsed, an empty bag, a light object, used and faded.

"Requiescat in paceEzio murmured.

Then he heard a new uproar in the square and the isSouthwest machine came running fifty or sixty menmen, led by a man who immediately recognized Ezio: Jacopo, Francesco's uncle! Waving the banner of the Pazzi.

"Freedom! Freedom! Popolo e Libertà!Shouted-. The militaryMedici forces out at that time of palazzo for inagainst their opponents, but Ezio noticed immediately that the men were exhausted and were far inferior in number.

He turned to the corpse.

"Okay," said Francesco-. I think I've found a way to pay your debt, even then.

He took the body by the shoulders, lifted him up (he was amazinglightweight mind) and went to balcony. Once there, after locating one end of which hung a flag, used the rope and knotted around his neck Francesco lifeless. Quickly grabbed another formertreme to a sturdy stone column and with all his strength, lifted him up and threw the rope over the parapet. The rope was sunTando, but it soon became tense after yanking. LeatherFrancesco po lifeless hung, the toes signlando languidly to the floor of the plaza.

Ezio hid behind the column.

- Jacopo!Cried a voice of thunder-. Jacopo de 'Pazzi! Look! Your leader is dead! Your case is finished!

Jacopo saw raised his head and hesitated. Behind him his men also doubted. The troops of the Medici had itguido the course of his eyes and cheering, began to roDearle. But the Pazzi had broken ranks ... and fled in terror.

It ended in a matter of days. The domain of the Pazzi of Florence was over. Your assets and property were confiscatedtwo, his coat of arms destroyed and trampled. Although Irenzo claimed piety, Florentine mob chased and which endedPazzi sympathizer any he could find. Leaders main, however, had fled. Only one of them, who was captured, won clemency: Raffaele Riario, nephew of the Pope, whom Lorenzo considered too gullible and naive to be seriously involved. Many of the duke's advisers, however, felt that Lorenzo had shown more humanity in its decision that political savvy.

Sixtus IV was angry and questioned to Florence, but otherwise was in a position of powerlessness and floRentin it took off smoothly.

As Ezio, was one of the first to be convened in the presence of the Duke. He met with Lorenzo on a balcony dominantnaba the Arno. The Duke was still with his bandages, but the wounds were on track and had left her cheeks pale. He looked tall and proud, was again the man who once earned the nickname put Florence  Il Magnifico.

After greeting, Lorenzo said in the direction of river.

- You know, Ezio? When I was six years old, I fell into the Arno. I started to drown and disappear into the darkness, certain that my life was ending. But I woke to the sound of my mother crying. I saw a stranger at his side, soaked and smiling. My mother explained to me that this man had saved me. Auditore called. And so began a long and prosperous relationship between the two families. He turned and looked solemnly Ezio-. Am notber could save your family.

Ezio not find words to reply. He understood the cold world of politics, where the distinctions between good and evil often confusing, but, in turn, rejected him.

"I know that would not have lost to have been in your hand," he said.

-Tu family home, at least, is safe and under the protection of the city. Your old housekeeper, Annetta, is in charge of everything and the staff and monitoring are on me. Whatever happens, the house will be waiting when you want to return to settle in it.

"Very kind from you, Altezza.

Ezio paused. Cristina was thinking. What if it was too late to convince her to break his commitment to marry him and help him return to family life Auditoriumre? But those two short years had changed him so that he was now unrecognizable and also had another duty: a duty to the Creed.

"We won a great victory," he said at last. But war is not won. Many of our enemies have gotdo escape.

"But Florence's security is guaranteed. Six Popewanted to convince Naples to position itself against us, but I was convinced that Ferdinand does not, and neither will nor Bologna and Milan.

Ezio Duke could not explain the great battle that was involved, because it lacked assurances that Lorenzo estuviebe aware of the secret of Murderers.

"To our greatest security," said- I need your permission to leave in search of Jacopo de 'Pazzi.

Lorenzo's face darkened.

- That coward! He said angrily-. He fled before repudiationsemos lay hands.

- Do you have any idea where he might have gone? Lawrence shook his head.

-No. Have been hidden well. My spies tell me that Baroncelli might be trying to flee to Constantinople, but as far as other concerns ...

"Give me their names," then Ezio.

And the firmness of his voice Lorenzo served to confirm that he got in the way of Ezio could expect the worst.

- How could I forget the names of the murderers of my brotherhand? If you find them, I will be forever in your debt. These are priests and Stefano Maffei Antonio da Bagnone. BerBaroncelli nard, whom I have mentioned. And then there is another, which is not directly involved in the murder, but that is a dangerous ally of our enemies. It is the archbishop of Pisa, Francesco Salviati, another family member Riario, hunting dogs of the Pope. Clement showed me her cousin, as a man trying to be different from them. Although sometimes I wonder iftranscends that I behave with wisdom.

"I have a list," said Ezio-. Add these names.

He started to leave.

- Where will you go now? Lorenzo asked.

"I will return with my uncle to Monteriggioni. There installing it my base.

"Then, go with God, friend Ezio. But first I have something you might be interested.

Lorenzo opened a leather purse that hung cinpolecat and took out a sheet of vellum. Ezio knew what he was almost before the unwound.

"I remember years ago I was talking to your father about ancient documents," said Lawrence quietly-. It was a shared interest. I know I translated some. Here, take this. We foundtré among the papers of Francesco de 'Pazzi and given that he no longer needs it, I thought you might like ... Thinking about your padre. Would you like to perhaps add to your ... collection?

"I am very grateful Altezza.

"I knew he'd be," said Lorenzo, in a tone that made him wonder how he knew the subject Ezio actually-. I hope you find it useful.

Before you pack up and prepare for the trip, Ezio hurried to visit his friend Leonardo da Vinci page Cósaid Lorenzo had given him. Despite the events of the lastma week, the workshop continued its pace of work as if nothing had happened.

"Glad to see you safe and sound," said Ezio Leonardo to recibirlo.

"I see that you too have been spared the problems," said Ezio.

"I told you: me leave me alone. They must think I'm too crazy, or I'm too poor or too dangerousroughly to get hands on! I have wine and somewhere I have some cakes, if you have not already broken. My housekeeper is useless. Well, tell me what's on your mind.

"I'm leaving Florence.

- So soon? But if I have said you are the hero of the moment! Why do not you relax and enjoy it?

"I have no time.

- Will you still are enemies to chase?

- How do you know?

Leonardo smiled.

"Thanks for coming to say goodbye to me," he said.

"Before I go," said Ezio- I brought another page of the Codex.

"This is really good news. Will you let me see it?

"Of course.

Leonardo carefully read the new document.

"I begin to get the hang of," said-. I still can not see what general diagram is based on everything, but I start to get familiar with writing. It seems the description of another weapon.

He got up and walked to the table a few old books and fragile appearance.

"Let's see ... I would say that whoever was the inventor who wrote all this, must have gone far ahead of its time. Only mechanisms ...He paused, lost in thought-. Aha! I get it! Ezio, this is the design of a knife, whichCajari in the mechanism that you put in  used the arm if you neededlizarlo over the other.

- And what is the difference?

"Unless I am mistaken, this is pretty nasty ... is hollow in the middle, see? And through the tube hidden inside the sheet, you can inject poison into the victim. The attack provided that certain death! This weapon would make you almost invincible!

- Could you make it?

- With the same terms as the rest?

"Of course.

- Well! How long do I have?

- Until the end of the week? I have some preparations to make y. .. I try to see someone ... to say goodbye. But bego to leave as soon as possible.

"I did not take long. I still have the toolstools I used for the first job, and my assistants and tie itnen by hand, so I do not see why not.

Ezio took the time to solve issues in Florenence, pack our bags and send a messenger with a letter to Monteriggioni. Postponed the final task he had set over and over again, though I knew I had to take place. Finally, in his penultimateesteem later, approached the mansion Calfucci. Her feet weighsban as lead.

But when he came home he found it dark and closed. Conscient was behaving like a madman, climbed to the balcony of Cristina and found the shutters closed and barred. Nasturtiums of the pots on the balcony were wilted and deadTAS. When he came down, tired, had the feeling in the shrouded heart. He stood by the door is mired in aTado dreamy, never knew how long, butGillen had to see it, it finally opened a window on the firstmer floor and a woman stuck her head.

"They're gone. The signor Calfucci saw the problems coming and took the whole family to Lucca. Her daughter's fiance is from there.

- What Lucca?

"Yes. I have understood that the families get along very well.

- When return?

I do not know. "The woman looked at him-. Do you know something?

I do not think, "said Ezio.

He spent the night dreaming as both the St CristinaFrancesco griento final.

The day rose overcast sky comparable to the mood of Ezio. He went to Leonardo's workshop, happy that the day had finally come to leave Florence. The new knife was ready, finished in matte gray steel, very hard, so sharp edges that could cut a silk scarf in the air. The tip orifice was tiny.

"The poison is in the grip and is released simply by flexing the muscle of the arm on the inner button. Be careful because it is very sensitive.

- What do I have to use poison?

"For starters, I used a potent distillation CICUta. When completed, ask any doctor.

- Poison? To a doctor?

"In high enough concentrations, curing can also kill.

Ezio nodded sadly.

"I owe you one more time.

"Here is the leaf of the Codex. Is it true that you have to leave so soon?

"Florence is a safe city ... of time. But even tengo work to do.